For his New York runway comeback that unofficially started New York Fashion Week, Alexander Wang sought comfort in the known. Nearby Alexanderwang’s Chinatown headquarters was the Cupid’s Door show, which showcased his Pre-Fall and Fall 2023 womenswear designs as well as a relaunch of his menswear label.
Three acts made up the show. Although Wang has traditionally been referred to as a downtown designer, the opening women’s area also had a significant amount of denim and faux fur in a range of textures and styles, some of which were more formal.
The multicolored python and zebra stripes that featured as low-slung cropped pants and pencil skirts made the coats, worn to flaunt a naked, toned stomach, look extra aggressive.
In addition to blending in an edgy strap-only bra without the cups, the designer mixed familiar cliches of his sporty side with tailoring, such as boxer shorts protruding above the waistbands of tailored pants. Eroticism and sass were both present in frilly satin slip dresses. Oversized suit coats, vests, oversized separates that played peek-a-boo with bras and undergarments, and even a men’s striped shirt were exaggerated with shimmer.
The men’s section followed with more animal print pants and cropped vests along with casual, athleisure-inspired pieces like sweatpants and sweatshirts in soft, high pile fabrics.
With award season in full force, Wang’s exploration of fringe and the heart shape for the finale turn on a women’s evening wear ensemble proved to be a thrilling prospect. Bodices and booties were displayed with extra-long fringe that swept the carpet, while others featured the double hump and V shape of the amorous symbol made of layered fringe strips.
Alexander Wang
FALL 2023 READY-TO-WEAR
